Processors offer 360c in bid to get enough cattle

THE supply of finished cattle is continuing to tighten, and prices are hardening at the factories this week, as the trend of recent weeks is maintained.

Intake at the processing centres slipped back further over the past week, and the quoted prices have increased by at least 5 cent/kg (2p/lb) with factory agents more active trying to source supplies.

Most processors quote a base price of 360 cent/kg (128p/lb) for steers this week, but many are finding it necessary to pay above that to get sufficient cattle, with 365 cent/kg (130p/lb) mentioned for supplies at a number of the factories.